Investigation In Fatal Santa Rosa Shooting By Police Continues

HEALDSBURG, CA — Authorities continue to investigate the fatal police-involved shooting involving 20-year-old Matteo Ramirez-Santos of Santa Rosa.

They have two main questions to answer. One is what led Ramirez-Santos to decide against surrendering even when heavily armed police surrounded him. Another is whether Santa Rosa Police Department SWAT officer complied with agency regulations when he fired at Ramirez-Santos.

Ramirez-Santos was fatally shot early Aug. 13 by Santa Rosa Officer Sean Keaney, a member of the department's SWAT team, authorities reported.

Police called in the team after a 6-hour standoff, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the shooting.

The standoff began after Santa Rosa police arrived at the 900 block of Keegan Drive in Santa Rosa shortly after 10 p.m. They were responding to a report that Ramirez-Santos was inside the house, armed with a firearm, and threatening his ex-girlfriend, according to the sheriff's office.

When they arrived, officers found her and the couple's two-month-old infant outside the house where they had fled with her parents.

She told officers that Ramirez-Santos pointed a gun at her head, threatening to kill her and any police if she reported the incident.

Ramirez-Santos barricaded himself inside the house and refused commands to surrender, .

After a six-hour standoff, SWAT deployed chemical agents into the house.

Keaney, inside an armored vehicle parked in front of the home, was positioned at a rotating shield mounted on the roof. He was wearing a body camera.

At about 4:55 a.m. Ramirez-Santos charged out the front door towards the officers.

Officers shouted that he was armed, and Keaney fired a single shot, striking Ramirez-Santos.
Officers found a loaded firearm with Ramirez-Santos.

Investigators later discovered his texts, phone calls, and social media posts to friends and family. In one post, he wrote, "I'm sorry yall I love all my ppl but the cops have my house surrounded ima take one with me".

Ramirez-Santos was wanted on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, death threats, victim intimidation, false imprisonment, and domestic violence with injury, according to the sheriff's office. Additionally, officers confirmed that he had existing warrants for possessing a machine gun, possessing a firearm without a serial number, robbery, and conspiracy. He was also wanted for a prior domestic violence incident involving the victim who had called police.

Keaney has 11 years experience, including four with the Santa Rosa Police Department and previously for the Oakland Police Department.

The sheriff's department is continuing to review evidence, including footage from the camera worn by Keaney, surveillance videos, and witness statements.

The Santa Rosa Police Department will conduct a separate administrative review to determine if Keaney's actions complied with department policies.

The department will release body-worn camera footage at a later date. Officer Keaney is on paid administrative leave in keeping with department policies.

Findings by the sheriff's office will go to the Sonoma County District Attorney in order to decide if Keaney should face any charges.